Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive, especially in a destination with a favorable exchange rate. If beachfront villas and fine dining without the five-star price tag is more your travel style, consider these 11 luxury destinations and hotels around the world that offer affordable-yet-glamorous vacations.
Editor’s note: When available, the Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index for a city is listed. Read more about what makes up the Price of Travel’s Backpacker Index. Otherwise, the price for a three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant for two people (taken from Numbeo) is listed for comparison. Currency rates were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change.
Gaya Island, Sabah, Malaysia
Gaya Island sits just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Images of the island evoke the tropical paradises of the Maldives or Tahiti, but this off-the-beaten-path gem is located in Borneo’s South China Sea.
Current exchange rate: 10 MYR = 3 USD
Dinner for two people: $12 USD
Where to stay: Enjoy all that the island offers at Gaya Island Resort. You’ll get iconic beaches, coral reefs and wildlife sightings for about $200 a night.
Osaka, Japan
Experience the high-tech world and foodie scene of Japan’s famed Osaka for a lot less than you think. A stay in Osaka also puts you conveniently close to Kyoto and other unmissable nearby iconic Japanese destinations.
Current exchange rate: 1000 JPY = 9 USD
Dinner for two people: $35 USD
Where to stay: Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi is a trendy, modern hotel (complete with Dyson hair dryers) that looks more like it belongs in New York City than Osaka. Here, though, you don’t the high-N.Y.C. price tag — rates start at $106 per night.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Bohemian riads and traditional hammam spas are well within most travelers’ budgets, leaving extra money to enjoy a night glamping in the Sahara or shopping for souvenirs in the medina.
Current exchange rate: 10 MAD = 1 USD
Backpacker Index: $30 USD per day
Where to stay: Connect with the character of Marrakesh at the luxe Dar Hanane riad for around $100 a night.
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